Kent batsman Alex Blake has been awarded a new contract, while Charlie Shreck has moved on after two years at the club.
Blake appeared in all 10 of Kent’s T20 fixtures in 2013, but averaged only 14 with the bat as the side failed to advance beyond the group stage. He also featured in two YB40 matches, with a high score of 43, although he failed to make an appearance in the County Championship all season.
Speaking about the news, Blake said: “I’m happy to have signed my contract – this gives me a great opportunity to push on, and push for a first team spot. I’m really pleased that the Club have shown faith in me and I intend to repay that next season.”
Kent’s Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson, added: “Having shown he can play at 2nd XI level, we have confidence in his ability to show the form he showed at times in the first team during 2013 on a more consistent basis in all forms of the game in 2014.”
At the same time the news of Blake’s new contract was announced, the Club also confirmed that bowlers Charlie Shreck and Ben Kemp would be leaving the club.
Having featured almost exclusively in the longer form of the game during his two years at Canterbury, Shreck appeared in 14 of Kent’s 16 Championship fixtures in the 2013 season, ending as the club’s leading wicket taker in the competition with 33 wickets at an average of just under 40.
He said: “My two years playing for Kent have been a unique experience which I will not forget. I’d like to thank the purists that made the effort to watch and support the longer form of the game.”
Johnson added: “I would like to thank Charlie for his commitment on the field and efforts for the club over the last two years. We all wish him well with the next stage of his career.”
20-year-old right-armer Ben Kemp was signed by the club in 2012, but leaves without featuring for the Kent first team.
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